Honor Under Siege

by Radclyffe

  if she were in trouble. Wouldnt she?

  Would she? Cams al egiance was never in doubt. Blair fi rst. Country

  second. And friendship? Diane had no doubt that Cam would risk her

  life for Stark or Savard or any of the others. Didnt Valerie, Cams ex-

  lover and col eague, fal into the same category?

  But then, she didnt real y understand anything that had happened.

  She didnt

  understand why Valerie had left, why shed stayed away, and why

  she was obviously afraid to talk to her now. She wouldnt

  understand until Valerie explained it, and she desperately needed to

  know. “I want to see you.

  “Dian

  e

  “No one wil know.

  Please.

  Another endless pause, not even the sound of breathing on

  the line.

  Diane forced herself not to say anything more than she already had.

  She had never begged a woman for anything in her life, not even

  Blair when they had been younger and shed been desperately in love with

  her. Blair had never known the depth of her feelings, perhaps

  because she had already learned to shield her emotions behind casual

  nonchalance. It hadnt taken many disappointments before she had

  also learned not to make herself vulnerable by asking for things

  she couldnt have. Valerie had ef ortlessly changed al that. And

  now, if she didnt sense that begging would somehow endanger

  Valerie, she would gladly beg. Anything to break this unwil ing

  isolation.

  “How long wil you be there? Valerie fi nal y

  asked.

  “How long should I be? Diane

  countered.

  “A few days would be

  good.

  “Il try. Diane opened her eyes. The moon had gone behind a cloud

  and the room was black. “Dont be afraid.

  Valerie laughed thinly. “Of

  you?

  “For

  me,

  Diane

  whispered.

  “I dont think I can promise

  that.

  Diane smiled. “And I feel the same. Il be

  waiting.

  “Goodbye,

  Valerie

  whispered.

  Diane sat in the silent darkness for a few more minutes, fi xing the

  sound of Valeries voice in her mind. Then she pul ed up the last

  number on her cal log and cal ed it.

  Im sorry. The number youre trying to reach is no longer in

  service.

  Chapter Seven

  Tuesda

  y

  B lair paused halfway across the living room and groaned in

  appreciation as she smel ed cof ee. She turned toward the seating area in

  front of the windows and caught a glimpse of the fi rst streaks of a

  hazy orange sunrise outside the windows. Diane sat curled up in one

  corner of the sofa in burgundy satin pjs, her blond hair loose and partial

  y shielding her face, a mug clasped in both hands.

  “Hi, Blair said. “Mind

  company?

  “No, of course

  not.

  Blair continued into the adjoining gal ey kitchen, poured cof ee, and

  returned. She set led onto the sofa and mirrored Dianes pose, legs

  drawn beneath her, partial y turned so she could face her friend. “Early

  morning or late night?

  Diane smiled rueful y. “Both. Funny, I never used to mind sleeping

  alone.

  “Its one thing to sleep alone because you prefer to, Blair said half to

  herself. “But once youve got en used to someone and then theyre not

  there, its a bitch.

  “Id forgot en its not al that easy for you and Cam most of the time,

  either. Sorry.

  Blair stroked Dianes shoulder. “I just meant I

  understand.

  “I know you do. Diane was certain that Blair understood al of it he

  reluctance to trust, the self-made barriers to protect against

  heartbreak and disappointment, and the terrible joy of let ing someone

  inside at last. Blair had lived it, just as she had. And because Blair

  knewknew her, knew what she hoped and feared, knew what it was

  to fi ght for what she wantedDiane felt some of the desolation lift from

  her heart. “Valerie cal ed.

  “Is she al right? Blair held her breath and strained to hear the sound

  of the shower running in the master bathroom. She didnt want Cam

  walking in on this conversation and hearing something she would feel

  duty bound to act on.

  “I dont know, Diane said, her voice shaking slightly. “It was a

  tense conversation. She didnt say that she wasnt al right, but

  obviously somethings wrong. She searched Blairs eyes. “Do you know

  whats going on?

  “Oh God, Blair murmured. “I dont, honey. Honest, not real y.

  And I she glanced over her shoulder toward the hal way on the far side

  of the room.

  “Cams involved somehow, isnt she? And Im put ing you in the middle. I

  should go.

  “No, Blair said sharply, grasping Dianes arm to prevent her rising. “You

  should not go. No one knows anything, including Cam, other than

  Valerie snuck of in the middle of the night and doesnt want anyone to

  know where she is.

  “You make it sound like shes a

  criminal.

  Blair shook her head. “No one is saying that. She wasnt exactly certain

  that was true. She imagined that if Valerie hadnt warned

  Matheson herself of the

  impending capture, then whoever h a d told him would point

  to her disappearance as evidence of her guilt. “But the way she left is

  suspicious, and the fact that shes hiding doesnt help clear things up at al .

  Her grip softened and she clasped Dianes fi ngers. “You k now

  Cam, Di. She doesnt jump to conclusions, and she never set les for

  easy answers. Valerie needs to talk to her.

  “Im scared, Diane whispered. “Im scared that every phone cal wil be

  the last one. That Il never see her again and Il never know why.

  Blair leaned closer. “I know you want to protect her. So would I. But she

  needs help. Can you try to get her to talk to Cam?

  Dianes eyes were moist, the blue misted to gray with sadness. “How can

  I if I

  dont know how to reach

  her?

  “Something tel s me shel fi nd you. Blair heard the sound of the

  bedroom door closing and footsteps approaching, then Cam passed

  behind them on her way to the kitchen. “Morning, darling.

  “Hi,

  Cam

  replied.

  Diane cal ed a greeting then lowered her voice. “I have to

  think about it. For now, can we keep it between us?

  “Yes, Blair said, knowing that Diane wouldnt be pushed

  into making a decision any more than she would. “Im going to

  talk to Lucinda this morning. After that, lets just get out of

  here for a while. Walk around, shop, do something mindless.

  Some of the tension eased from Dianes face. “I think thats a

  great idea. After all, we have a wedding to plan.

  “We certainly do. Blair glanced across the room to where

  Cam stood in the doorway of the kitchen. Shed dressed for work

  for the

  fi rst time in almost two weeks, and the pale blue shirt, dark

  raw silk sla
cks, and black Italian loafers gave her a cool,

  sleek look. She wasnt wearing her shoulder holster, but she

  would be, along with a blazer, when she went out. The image

  of confi dence and strength Cam projected was more than just

  appearance, and it surprised Blair how right it felt to see her

  lover preparing to do what she did so wel . “We cant stop living,

  can we?

  “No, Diane said with a shadow of a smile. “We

  cant.

  * * * * *

  Blair stepped from the shower, wrapped a towel around her

  chest, and used another to dry her hair. She fi nger-combed

  the thick waves and fi nished drying her body. She paused at a

  knock on the bathroom door.

  “Yes?

  “Want a fresh cup of coffee?

  Smiling, Blair pulled open the door that connected to

  their bedroom. “Special delivery?

  “At your service. Cam slipped inside and set the cup down on

  the vanity. “Starks here.

  Blair frowned. “What time is

  it? “0700.

  “God, shes eager.

  “Shes just doing her job, Cam said,

  smiling.

  “Yeah, yeah. Blair tossed the towel aside and wrapped her

  arms around Cams neck. “So what are you going to do while

  Im with Lucinda?

  Cam brushed both hands down Blairs back and cupped

  her buttocks. “Probably be thinking about this.

  Blair grinned and nipped at Cams lower lip.

  “Smooth.

  “Youre getting my shirt wet, Cam murmured, nuzzling

  Blairs throat.

  “Just your shirt? Blair whispered in Cams ear and bumped her pelvis into

  Cams crotch.

  Cam groaned. “Cut it

  out.

  Blair laughed, kissed her hard, and then let her go. Cams shirtfront

  showed the wet impressions of Blairs breasts. “Uh-oh. You need a new

  shirt.

  “At

  the

  least.

  “So what are you doing this morning, Commander? Blair fol owed Cam

  into the bedroom and sorted through the clothing she kept at Cams for

  occasions when she stayed over..

  “Im hoping to meet with your fathers security adviser about this new Of

  i ce of

  Homeland Security, Cam said as she changed her

  shirt.

  “And your new job, Blair said casual y. Even though shed known

  from the second her father of ered the position that Cam would take it,

  the reality made her stomach tighten. She paused in the middle of

  but oning her blouse. “I understand now why you wanted to be in

  charge of my security detail, even when I didnt want you to be.

  “What do you mean? Cam tucked in her shirt, but her eyes never left

  Blairs face.

  Blair slipped into her slacks and regarded her shoe choices. “I like

  having you where I can see you. Even though it doesnt mean youl be

  safe, it feels less scary.

  “Hey, Cam said, gently resting her hands on Blairs shoulders. “Its not

  that kind of job, okay?

  “Yeah, yeah. Blair sighed. “I hate being this shaky about

  things.

  “Were al of balance. Cam kissed her forehead. “Give yourself a

  break.

  “Il try. Blair smiled. “Id bet er go take care of

  Stark. Cam rol ed her eyes. “Be gentle.

  Laughing, Blair skimmed her fi ngertips up the inside of Cams thigh.

  “Always. With a mut ered curse, Cam fol owed Blair down the hal

  way.

  In the living room, Paula pivoted away from the window

  where shed been waiting. “Good morning. She nodded to

  Cam before getting down to business. “I wanted to review your

  plans for the day, Ms. Powell.

  “After breakfast, Im going to call Lucinda and see when she can

  fi t me in, Blair said. “This afternoon, Diane and I are

  going shopping.

  Blair was aware of both Cam and Paula stiffening. She

  wasnt surprised. Neither of them would want her out and about.

  “Im not staying locked up inside.

  “You didnt mention a shopping trip. Cam fol owed Blair into

  the kitchen.

  “I just did, Blair said, peering into the refrigerator. “Theres

  nothing in here to eat.

  “You know what I mean.

  Blair closed the door. “I fi gured there was no point in dealing

  with your objections and then Starks. This way, I get it all taken

  care of at once.

  Cam grinned but her eyes were serious. “The things I love

  about you make me crazy.

  “Funny how that works. Blair kissed her. “Lets gather the

  troops and go out to breakfast. Then lets go to the White House.

  * * * * *

  “Thanks for seeing me, Luce, Blair said. While shed been

  waiting, shed counted two senators, three deputy directors,

  the White House press secretary, and a handful of lobbyists

  pass in and out of Lucindas offi ce. “Things look hectic.

  “Its never a problem to meet with you. Lucinda relaxed into

  a chair in the seating area as if she had all the time in the world.

  Blair was instantly on guard. “I wanted to clear up a few

  things about yesterday and inform you of some new plans.

  “All right. Would you like something to drink? Pastry?

  “No, Blair said careful y, trying to read what was behind

  Lucindas

  calm façade. Shed never been able to, and she still couldnt.

  “We just had breakfast. Thanks.

  “Oh, thats right. Cams here too, isnt she. Meeting with Averill.

  Blair didnt see that the statement required an answer.

  Lucinda

  knew everything that was happening in the White House. In

  the country for that matter. Hell, most likely in the entire

  world. So she obviously knew that Cam was meeting with the

  presidential security adviser. “I suppose you know all the details

  there.

  Lucinda nodded, without actual y acknowledging

  anything.

  “Im not going to help you with

  Diane.

  “Youve forgot en that I know Diane, Lucinda said evenly. “Ive

  known her almost as long as Ive known you. She held Blairs eyes. “She

  could be in trouble.

  “Dont use my friends to blackmail me into doing something I know is

  wrong, Blair said sharply.

  “But I expect that Cam wil explain al that to

  you.

  “Or

  my

  lover.

  Lucinda sighed. “Blair, next to your father, youre my favorite

  person in the world. But you real y can be a right pain in the ass

  sometimes.

  Blair smiled. “Im not going to suggest how I come by that trait

  considering my role models.

  “Im not exaggerating when I say that Diane may be in danger. If I know

  that she was involved with Valerie Lawrence, other people do too.

  Other people may think she can help them fi nd Valerie.

  “Shes with me, and for the time being, I intend to keep her

  with me.

  “That might be a good idea, Lucinda mused. “If shes with you, shel be

  under surveil ance by our people.

  “Shel be safe , Blair snapped. She jumped up, too agitated to continue

  to sit and pretend they were havin
g an ordinary conversation. “God,

  Lucinda! Is this what it costs to keep my father in of i ce? People you

  know, people you love, become pawns?

  A hint of color fl ared on Lucindas cheeks. “Sometimes it costs a great

  deal more than that, Blair. It goes without saying that being under surveil

  ance by the best security team in the world wil keep her safe. It also

  might help us, and Id be a fool, or worse, to suggest otherwise.

  Blair closed her eyes for an instant, and when she opened them again,

  she gave Lucinda an apologetic look. “Im sorry. I couldnt do what you

  do, and I know how necessary it is. She sat down again. “As soon as

  Cam set les whatever she needs to do in this new position, Im taking

  the whole team and Diane back to where weve been staying for the last

  month.

  Lucinda raised an eyebrow. “Cameron intends to go back with you?

  She held up a hand. “Never mind. Im sure Averil wil discuss that with

  me. She crossed her legs, her black skirt rising to reveal the barest hint

  of shapely thighs. “Let me give it some thought, but that just might be

  an excel ent plan. Of course, youre going to have to tel me where it is.

  “Just you?

  “For now.

  “Whitley

  Point.

  “Tanner

  Whitleys

  place?

  Blair

  nodded.

  Lucinda laughed. “Oh my God, you and Diane and Tanner together? I

  feel for your security team.

  “Tanners married, Blair said, grinning. Lucinda had been around for most

  of her wild prep school years and was aware of some of the trouble the

  three of them had got en into. Of course, most of the time theyd been

  successful in pul ing of their fairly frequent disappearing acts. “Which

  brings me to the other thing I wanted to discuss with you.

  “Oh?

  “Cam and I intend to get married this

  fal .

  “That may be problematic, since same-sex marriages arent legal y

  recognized anywhere in the United States.

  “Neither is my sexual orientation, Blair said, “but that hasnt stopped me,

  and it never wil . We wont have any dif i culty fi nding someone

  to perform the ceremony, legal or not.

  “That wil be dif i cult to keep quiet, Lucinda

  said.

  “It wasnt my intention to keep it quiet. At Lucindas look of surprise,

  Blair went on, “Im not planning on taking out an ad in the New York

  Times, but Im not going to sneak around with this either.

  “The fi rst person outside of your immediate circle who gets a hint of this

  wil go straight to the papers with it. A caterer, a dressmaker, even